Conference noted::bicycle

    And in Britain there are still only 3........  sigh.
    
    Mind you when I raced in France the Vs were often more evil than the
    IVs.
    
    Most aspiring juniors started in III but most people started in IV with
    aspirations to make III at the end of the the season after the one
    they started in (Me, will I was just aspiring to finishing a race
    ocassionally...)  This left the IV/V cats mostly open for what would be
    classed veterans in the states.  These guys do a whole lot of miles
    each week and have a lifetimes of cycling skills.
    
    The above scheme also tended to make the most common races 1/2/3,
    3/4/J and 4/5.  I once raced in a 2/3/4 and was astounded !

     Ed brings up a good point... I don't know a whole lot about the
    policies and rules about CATS, but am fairly familiar with the
    actual racing stuff...
    
     I don't think you need to advance to CAT IV. I think the CAT V
    group is for people trying to get more racing experience (and
    the USCF makes more money), flexibility for non-sactioned road
    racing is maintained, and people can brag about being licensed
    (my objective :-)).
    
     I'm not a particularly big fan of crits. I know sanctioned R/R's 
    are not plentiful either. I don't htink I'l have a problem with
    technique in the pack. I also understand that boneheads exist. But
    they exist in the open races too (probably more prolific).
    
     What I'm basically after is usuing a season for training and
    experience... I've watched a TON of crits and understand the
    danger. Of course, I'm assuming I'll be able to stay with the
    pack from time to time....
    
     Chip

    
    Our local USCF person, Ken Wallace (who is secretary of the USCF
    this year, I believe), spoke to our club (of which he is a member)
    in November, and gave us a rundown on the categories.
    
    Of course I've forgotten it all, but will try to invent a few key
    points.  The distinction between Cat V and Cat IV was a bit blurry,
    but, yes, Cat V is intended for males (no female Cat V category) 
    who would like to ride in USCF (non-citizen) events, and is aimed
    at Seniors or maybe Masters - not Juniors.  In other words, it's
    aimed at the burgeoning number of yuppie and other cyclists in that
    age group who have the equipment and would like to race, but haven't 
    gone up the ranks from their teens.  
    
    Of course, progressing to Cat IV and beyond from Cat V is encouraged,
    for those who'd like to.  Hope this helps a tiny bit.  
                                                                -john

  
>>    Cat V is intended for males (no female Cat V category) 
>>    who would like to ride in USCF (non-citizen) events

I may not have all the news either but...

The biggest news about CAT V is that you can ride in non sanctioned USCF races.
Before this, if you had a CAT IV license and you could not ride in any Citizen
races. If you did you lost your license, your next birthday and your first born.

I think this is good news for racers starting out. Most racers don't want to do
crit's and a lot of road races in this area are not USCF sanctioned. With a 
CAT V you can do both.


Tom

    
    
     A little bit more about Catagory 5 races :
    
     There are no prizes - This encourages stronger racers to upgrade to
    			   Cat IV so they can win prizes.  This also keeps
    			   undeveloped riders from going to hard just to
    			   win 2-3 dollars.
    
     There are small field limits - The fields are limited to something
    				    like 50 riders.  This reduces intimidation
    				    and promotes safety with smaller packs.
    
     Upgrading to Cat 4 is easier - In other words "You should get some
    				    experience but it should'nt take all year."
    
    
    	I think its a real good move by the USCF.  Now all you need to do
      is find promoters who don't mind incorporating the new catagory into
      an already busy race day.
    
    John C.
    

    Per Tom Vinson, MA/RI/CT District Rep ...
    
    Upgrading from Cat V to Cat IV requires 15 points in
    1 year (points awarded only in quality races) , or by 
    experience/recommendations.  Tom Specifically
    pointed out that by 'experience' he means at LEAST 15 races.
    Upgrading from Cat IV to III similar rules.
    
    Regards,
    Mark

     The amount of racing required (15 races) seems very aggressive for 
    what is supposed to be a novice entrant (CAT V). 
    
     I'm not arguing the point. I belive what Tom has stated. It just seems
    like something motivated by revenue (I'm not a big fan of the USCF
    anyway).
    
     Anyone have any idea how many IV's might migrate down to the V class?
    
      Chip

    
    
     Downgrading is easy.
    
     There is a spot on your license application that asked what catagory
    you raced at last year.
    
      What I would recommend for going to a cat V since it is a new
    catagory is just sending in an application that is checked off as
    a new license instead of a renewal and say that you wnat to be a
    cat V.
    
    John C.